A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor based on furan-pyrene for selective and sensitive sensing Al3+

A new pyrene derivative BF bearing a furan group was synthesized via a one-step reaction as a colorimetric and ratiometric chemosensor for Al3+ in ethanol-H2O (9:1, v/v, pH 7.2, HEPES buffer) solution. This chemosensor could selectively recognize Al3+ in the presence of other competing ions. Low limit of detection (LOD) and high association constant revealed its superior sensitivity and binding affinity toward Al3+. Besides, the probe BF performed perfectly in a reversibility test using EDTA. The mechanism of the interaction has been confirmed by H-1 NMR titration. Importantly, chemosensor BF has also been utilized to detect Al3+ on test paper strips, which showed its potential for practical applications. (C) 2016 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.